ROBBIE WARY OF BOXING DAY BLUES

Robbie Keane insists the team should be on their guard against Birmingham on Boxing Day and take little notice of current league positions.

Robbie Keane insists the team should be on their guard against Birmingham on Boxing Day and take little notice of current league positions.

The Blues have won just three games in the Barclays Premiership so far this term and, surprisingly, sit second from bottom in the standings. Last time out in the league they suffered a heavy 4-1 beating by Manchester City, before losing 3-1 at home to Manchester United in the Carling Cup.

Our own position in the pecking order is considerably more healthy, but Robbie believes this will not count for much when the teams go toe to toe at White Hart Lane.

"It looks like they are struggling but you can't write them off," reasoned the in-form striker. "They've got players who can change a game and they have a good, strong squad.

"With the players they have, I don't think they should be in the position they are in, to be honest. We can't take anything for granted though and think they are going to come and let us walk all over them.

Steve Bruce will have them up for it and will make sure they work their socks off because they are desperate to get points

"They will come thinking they are going to get something out of the game and we have to be confident enough in the way we are playing to make sure we get the points."

With Birmingham, West Brom, Newcastle and Manchester City all looming for the boys over the festive programme, Robbie added that it is vital to build up a positive points return across the 10-day period and feels it can make a big difference to prospects of ultimate success in the season.

"It is important at Christmas and people say it is the most important time because there are so many games in a short space of time. You need to get something out of all the games if you can. It will be tough, but if we can get something out of every game, we will have a great chance of doing well.

"It is hard and very tiring. We play on the 26th and the next day we travel up to West Brom - it is not ideal preparation, but we can't complain about it because we are used to it. The managers worry about injuries and tiredness and that is the only real problem."